Cătălina IONESCU1,2*, Alexandra SAVUCA1, Viorica RARINCA2,3,4, Mălina VISTERNICU2,3, Alin CIOBICA1,2,5,6, Fatima Zahra KAMAL7,8
Abstract. Heavy metal exposure poses significant risks to aquatic organisms, including zebrafish, leading to various malformations and neurobehavioral effects across different developmental stages. This mini-review explores the impact of heavy metals, such as arsenic (As), cadmiu (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and others on zebrafish, focusing on the toxicological effects during embryonic, larval, and adult stages. Exposure to heavy metals during various developmental stages of zebrafish leads to significant malformations and neurobehavioral effects. The review discusses how these metals induce neurobehavioral effects by disrupting key biochemical processes, altering neurotransmitter systems, and increasing oxidative stress, ultimately leading to impairments in different behavior patterns
Keywords: heavy metals, zebrafish, neurobehavioral effects, developmental stages
DOI 10.56082/annalsarscibio.2025.1.262
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I no. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania,
2“Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Pacurari Street 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania 700506 Iasi, Romania,
3Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania
4Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, Romania
5CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iași, Romania
6Academy of Romanian Scientists
7Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technical (ISPITS), Marrakech, Morocco;
8Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Processes and Materials, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University, B.P. 539, Settat 26000, Morocco
*Corresponding author: Cătălina Ionescu catalinaionescu81@yahoo.com
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Biological Sciences, Volume 14 no 1, 2025